The holidays are officially here, and what better way to ring in the season than with gorgeous outdoor decorations? We often put all of our attention on the interiors of our homes and forget there are plenty of design opportunities on the exterior to exude holiday curb appeal. From garlands and wreaths, to lights and ribbons, you will love these beautiful, yet simple ways to transform your home this season. Let your doors and windows take center stage with these decorative ideas.
How to Decorate Your Home Exterior For The Holidays
Image via: Windows Designs Etc.
How do I decorate my windows for Christmas?
Decorating your windows helps to create holiday focal points on your exterior facade. Stand back and look at your home’s exterior as a whole. Take into account what features you’d love to bring attention to. Architectural features such as dormer windows and large transom windows above your front door are the perfect areas to highlight with holiday colors.
In the holiday home above, evergreen wreaths with bright velvet bows adorn a few of the Colonial style windows. These are very traditional and classic as Christmas decor for windows. Another idea is an electric candle in each window. It is a very simple and classy look. Bows for each window can also be a pretty choice.
Don’t forget to consider how your outdoor decorations will look from the inside, as well. You don’t want to create beautiful curb appeal that is distracting from the interior.
Consider using battery-powered or timer string lights around your wreaths so you don’t have to turn each one on and off individually. Try adding white lights for a traditional look to your wreaths, or colored lights create a whimsical aesthetic.
How can I decorate my front door for Christmas?
Here are some ideas for ways to decorate your front door for Christmas.
Make a grand entrance with organic appeal. While you may think that evergreen and holly are the only festive foliage to use for your window and door decorations, think again! Consider adding natural materials such as leaves, fruit, and even fragrant herbs into your exterior door wreath. This creative front entry from Windows Designs Etc. takes advantage of the gorgeous curvilinear transom window above the door. Apples, pineapple and evergreen are intermingled to create an eye-catching display that your guests will be talking about throughout their visit.
If you love crafts, try creating your own fresh wreath using evergreen sprigs, magnolia leaves, or any other natural materials. If you don’t have live materials, consider using faux materials that mimic the real thing. These wreaths are perfect for years to come!
Create a different look each holiday season
Do you ever get tired of having the same holiday decorations up every year? Think of ways you can add to or adapt your outdoor décor each year. I have a client that always asks at her Christmas tree lot to have many of the boughs cut off for her to make garlands, wreaths and other decorations. Last year, she used extra evergreen for her daughter’s playhouse, shown above. A cute wreath with a matching pink bow and evergreen in the flower box brings a holiday feel to the entire backyard. This year, add evergreen to your lampposts or mailbox and then add ribbon. You’ll be surprised how your landscaping takes on a new look.
This holiday, your home’s exterior is beckoning for festive decorations. The windows and doors are the perfect place to start. Whether you prefer a simple garland above your front door, or if an ornate and intricate wreath ensemble over every window is more your style, use these ideas to help create an inviting holiday home. What are your favorite ways to decorate your front door for Christmas?
Homestyle expert Ronique Gibson writes on interior design and DIY for Home Depot. Ronique is the author of the ebook 111 Simple Tips for your Everyday Home and has a Bachelors of Architecture from Tuskegee University. You can view a selection of windows, including styles mentioned by Ronique, on Home Depot’s website.
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Liz says
Hi Scarlet,
No doubt our homes and doors will take center stage with these ideas. I love the apples over the door but I can’t imagine how I’d do that, but I love it, LOL!
Thanks,
Liz
Scarlet says
Thanks Liz! I found this video tutorial in case you want to give the apple doorway decor a try! http://www.monkeysee.com/play/4985-home-decor-making-a-holiday-decoration-for-above-your-front-door